From beaches to breathtaking views: a kid-friendly Wild Atlantic Way road trip

You might wonder whether taking the kids on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is a wise idea. And you would be right to wonder. But hear me out — because this journey, weaving its way along the rugged West Coast, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the right stops, a few picnic essentials, and a dollop of patience, you’ll make memories that your family will treasure forever.

Pack the essentials. And snacks.

The first rule of road-tripping with kids is to pack too many snacks… and then pack some more. Endless snacks are really the key to any road trip with kids so if you are short on time you can pretty much stop reading here. When packing the snacks, think variety. We bring things like fruit cut into interesting shapes, wraps with different fillings (variations on ham and cheese, if I am honest), sandwiches (also variations on ham and cheese), fruit loops (which, bonus points, take ages for them to eat), yoghurt pouches, crackers, breadsticks, raisins and mini muffins. And don’t forget flasks of tea and hot chocolate for when you need a warm-up.

Besides snacks, you need some emergency toys, stickers and colouring for when you stop, and a few good kids’ podcast episodes downloaded (never rely on WiFi in the west of Ireland). I can recommend Thomas And Friends for mini-train lovers and In The Deep Blue Sea for mini aquatic hobbyists.

In terms of picnic gear, keep things simple. Think easy to carry, quick to assemble, and kid-approved. I swear by a big blanket that is waterproof on one side, a lightweight cooler bag, and lots of napkins and wipes. A few fold-out chairs are a bonus. Other than that, rain gear and spare dry clothes are always a good idea, despite what the weather forecast might say. This is Ireland after all.

Plan the stops, but stay flexible

This route is all about going with the flow. The Wild Atlantic Way has hidden spots around every corner, so have a loose plan, but be open to those magic, unexpected moments — like stumbling upon a secluded beach or a field full of friendly sheep. Some of our (reliably child-friendly) favourite spots include:

Killary Harbour, Connemara – Ireland’s only fjord is one of those places where a simple picnic can feel like magic. Pull over for a leg stretch, take a short walk, and soak in those views. If you fancy trying a local eatery, The Misunderstood Heron is a unique, award-winning food truck with possibly the best views in Ireland and really great local food to boot.

Downpatrick Head, Mayo – For older kids, this spot is pure adventure. The cliff views are like nothing you’ve seen before, and the Dún Briste sea stack is an Instagram moment waiting to happen. Another intriguing site is Poll Na Seantainne which translates to ‘Hole of the Old Fire’. This spectacular blowhole occasionally expels foam and vapour, giving the appearance of smoke rising from a fire.

Rossbeigh Beach, Kerry – This wide, sandy stretch is perfect for little legs to roam freely and for the more adventurous, there’s horse trekking and water sports. It’s also a prime picnic location — so prepare to lay out your blanket, let the kids have a dig in the sand, and breathe in that fresh Atlantic air.

Fanore Beach, Clare – This blue flag beach is worth a visit for its rock pools alone, which provide hours of entertainment (you’re guaranteed to leave with a few pockets full of treasured shells or stones). Older kids might want to try their hand at surfing as Fanore is a relaxing alternative to the very busy Lahinch.

Lean into the adventure (and the chaos)

A road trip with kids is going to be chaotic, but when you lean into that, there can be a lot of beauty too. There will be moments when one kid is tired, and the other is hangry, and you’ll wonder why you left the house at all. But in the middle of it, there will also be a child’s gasp at their first view of the Cliffs of Moher or the side-splitting laughter when someone falls face-first into a puddle.

The Wild Atlantic Way with kids is not about perfection. It’s about adventure, giggles, and yes, a bit of mess too. The unexpected detours and the freedom to roam and explore are what make this road trip unforgettable.

So load up the car with your little explorers and enjoy.

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